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MSDS-CCEWOOL Ceramic wool
MSDS-CCEWOOL Ceramic wool
SKIN IRRITATION:
May cause temporary, mild mechanical irritation. Exposure may also result in inflammation, rash or itching.
GASTROINTESTINAL IRRITATION:
Unlikely route of exposure.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE:
Pre-existing medical conditions, including dermatitis, asthma or chronic lung disease may be aggravated by
exposure;
individuals who have a history of allergies may experience greater amounts of skin and respiratory irritation.
Although studies, involving occupationally exposed workers, have not identified any increased
incidence of respiratory disease, results from animal testing have been used as the basis for
hazard classification. In each of the following cases, the conclusions are qualitative only and do
not rest upon any quantitative analysis suggesting that the hazard actually may occur at current
occupational exposure levels.
EMPTY CONTAINERS
Product packaging with plastic & carton.not effect container.
6. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
WASTE MANAGEMENT
To prevent waste materials from becoming airborne during waste storage, transportation and
disposal, a covered container or plastic bagging is recommended.
7. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
No ecological concerns have been identified.
8. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
HEALTH DATA SUMMARY
Epidemiological studies of RCF production workers have indicated no increased incidence
of respiratory disease nor other significant health effects. In animal studies, long-term,
high-dose inhalation exposure resulted in the development of respiratory disease in rats
and hamsters.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
The University of Cincinnati is conducting an ongoing epidemiologic investigation. The evidence
obtained from employees in U. S. RCF manufacturing facilities is as follows:
1) There is no evidence of any fibrotic lung disease (interstitial fibrosis) from evaluations of chest
X-rays.
2) There is no evidence of an elevated incidence of lung disease among RCF manufacturing
employees.
3) In early studies, an apparent statistical “trend” was observed, in the exposed population,
between RCF exposure duration and some measures of lung function. The observations were
clinically insignificant. If these observations were made on an individual employee, the results
would be interpreted as being within the normal (predicted) respiratory range. A more recent
longitudinal study of employees with 5 or more pulmonary function tests found that there was no
effect on lung function associated with RCF production experience. Initial data (circa 1987)
seemed to indicate an interactive effect between smoking and RCF exposure; more recent data,
however, found no interactive effect. Nevertheless, to promote good health, RCF employees are
still actively encouraged not to smoke.
4) Pleural plaques (thickening along the chest wall) have been observed in a small number of RCF
employees. Some studies appear to show a relationship between the occurrence of pleural
plaques on chest radiographs and the following variables: (a) years since RCF production hire
date; (b) duration of RCF production employment; and (c) cumulative RCF exposure. The best
evidence to date indicates that pleural plaques are a marker of exposure only. Pleural plaques are
not associated with pulmonary impairment. The pathogenesis of pleural plaques remains
incompletely understood; however, the mechanism appears to be an inflammatory response
caused by inhaled fibers.
TOXICOLOGY
A number of toxicological studies designed to identify any potential health effects from RCF
exposure have been completed. In one study, conducted by the Research and Consulting
Company, (Geneva, Switzerland), rats and hamsters were exposed to 30 mg/m³ (about 200
fibers/cc) of specially-prepared RCF for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for up to 24 months. In rats, a
statistically significant increase in lung tumors was observed; two mesotheliomas (cancer of the
pleural lining between the chest wall and lung) were also identified. Hamsters did not develop lung
tumors; however, interstitial fibrosis and mesothelioma was found. Some, in the scientific
community, have concluded that the “maximum tolerated dose” was exceeded and that significant
particle contamination was a confounding issue; therefore, these study findings may not represent
an accurate assessment of the potential for RCF to produce adverse health effects.
In a related multi-dose study with a similar protocol, other rats were exposed to doses of 16 mg/m³,
9 mg/m³, 3 mg/m³ which corresponds to about 115, 75, and 25 fibers per cubic centimeter
respectively. This study found no statistically significant increase in lung cancer. Some cases of
pleural and parenchymal fibrosis were seen in the 16 mg/m³ dose group. Some cases of mild
fibrosis and one mesothelioma were observed in the 9 mg/m³ group. No acute respiratory effects
were seen in the rats in the 3 mg/m³ exposure group, which suggests that there may be a
dose/response threshold, below which irreversible respiratory impacts do not occur.
Other toxicological studies have been conducted which utilized non-physiological exposure
methods such as intrapleural, intraperitoneal and intratracheal implantation or injection. Some of
these studies have found that RCF is a potential carcinogen. Some experts, however, suggest that
these tests have limited relevance because they bypass many of the biological mechanisms that
prevent fiber deposition or facilitate fiber clearance.
CHEMICAL SAFETYASSESSMENTV
A Chemical Safety Assessment has been carried out for RCF/ASW and CSR can be provided
on request
USEFUL REFERENCES (the directives which are cited must be considered in their amended
version)
• Hazards from the use of Refractory Ceramic Fibre. Health and Safety Executive:
Information document, HSE 267
(1998).
dust at the workplace initial results; Gefahrstoffe – Reinhaltung der Luft, 58:3,97-103.
NOTICE:
The information presented here in is based on data considered to be accurate as of the date of
preparation of this Safety Data Sheet. However, no warranty or representation, express or implied,
is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the foregoing data and safety information, nor is
any authorisation given or implied to practice any patented invention without a licence. In addition,
no responsibility can be assumed by the vendor for any damage or injury resulting from abnormal
use, from any failure to adhere to recommended practices, or from any hazards inherent in the
nature of the product.